Modern marketers often distill the complexities of life into catchy jingles, five-minute miracles, or three easy steps to success. In contrast, Lawrence R. Armstrong takes a more holistic approach to leadership in his autobiographical handbook, Layered Leadership: Drive Double-Digit Growth and Dominate Your Competition with Creative Strategies and Execution. Focusing on a broad landscape and teasing organic results, Armstrong shares personal inspirations and epiphanies discovered on his path from a small midwestern beginning to leading an organization with global reach. Like a peek inside an unguarded company playbook, Armstrong’s narrative takes readers behind the scenes and into the trenches at the international design firm he led for many years, Ware Malcomb. Each failure and triumph imparts an opportunity that can be translated to any setting where leadership is in your hands. Audiences will benefit from the author’s years of experience, positive mindset, and unwavering commitment to fostering a compassionate, nurturing workplace. In practice, the strategies can help organizations avoid some of the author’s mistakes, enjoy strategic growth in their own businesses, and focus on harnessing creativity and out-of-the-box solutions.
A great observer can take lessons from anything and everyone, even when the lessons aren’t immediately obvious, and Larry Armstrong is one of those perceptive, reflective individuals. He generously shares some of his most profound insights so readers can cultivate the talent that surrounds them and the talent that exists within. As the book details the history of a renowned company, it is easy to feel the author’s passion and drive. Engaging anecdotes and informative case studies draw readers into this comprehensible guide, allowing audiences to grasp the need for strong leadership. Whether comparing a successful home improvement store and its failed rival or taking a fresh look at the life and mind of endlessly curious Leonardo da Vinci, this book reveals the potential in developing whole-brained leadership, even if it sometimes goes against the grain. These examples, and many like them, nudge readers to self-evaluate, formulate a plan, and empower personnel to harness growth and enrich company culture. Though at times the personal experiences meander and the main points get overemphasized, the book is a pleasure to read and offers a wealth of insider knowledge. Layered Leadership is a sensible tool highlighting the importance of quality leadership development, rooted company culture, and thoughtful decision-making within any organization.
